Coverage in regional media about Zion House

April 25, 2017

Dear saints,

You may have noticed some coverage in regional media about Zion House, a ministry run by Zion Episcopal Church in Avon. They state that Zion House is closing at the end of May, which is not yet determined.

The leadership at Zion Episcopal Church have indeed been in conversation with the Department of Veterans Affairs in a timely manner about the future of Zion House. They inform us that this process is ongoing and that they are waiting to hear from the VA on next steps. Until then, effectively, there is no news to share. This conversation with the VA could result in the closing of Zion House, a likelihood for many small transitional housing programs for veterans.

Zion House's potential closing, in my belief, primarily reflects a national shift in housing strategy initiated by the VA. We have been aware of that shift since last year. If this happens, we will mourn the loss of a highly successful ministry of care for some of the most vulnerable women heroes — about eighty of whom, over the last five years, have found hope and a way forward through Zion House. We are looking ahead to new ways that we, as parishes and the Diocese of Rochester, can support the women and men who have given so much for our country. I ask your prayers for the women who are waiting to be housed and for all those who are paralyzed by the wounds of war in the battlefield and the post-traumatic stress disorder thereafter.